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MideasternStates
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Places to Go:
Onslow County Tastes
Menus include the freshest of coastal flavor as well as the bounty of rich farmlands. Whether with an ocean view and white tablecloth service or family-style dinner on the farm, you’ll find fresh ingredients and local specialties served with a smile.
On the central North Carolina coast, Onslow is located off I-95, north of Wilmington and east of Raleigh and I-40. Seafood is a favorite here and shrimp is king. This is the shrimp capital of North Carolina and restaurateurs keep this local delicacy on menus year-round. In fact, a variety of local seafood holds a featured place on many menus. It can be found along-side hand-cut steaks at the unique Riverside Steak and Seafood, Swansboro, the Southern-style specialties of the long-favorite Riverview Café, Sneads Ferry, and many, many more.
The more adventurous may choose to go after their own fresh catch. Heading out with one of the experienced charter fishing captains is a great way to land the very freshest fish of the day for dinner. On a trip with Reel Livin’ Fishing Charters, Sneads Ferry, families enjoy netting shrimp and crab and can haul their bounty home for a feast. If you’d rather others do the catching, markets like Clyde Phillips Seafood, Swansboro, offer fresh, local seafood to take home and enjoy.
The bounty extends beyond the waters here. In downtown Swansboro, Yana’s is known for fresh fruit fritters and the Boro boasts an eclectic menu with both regional and international flavors. Inland, Rick’s Restaurant & Sports Bar, Sneads Ferry, is a Sneads Ferry favorite with an extensive menu and local atmosphere. Nearby, Mike’s Farm, Beulavilleserves dow n home cooking in heaping helpings, family-style. Next door, the bakery features some of the bestloved North Carolina sweets.
An unexpected spot for sweet treats can be found in Jacksonville. For the past five years, Jacksonville has been home to one of very few authentic Colombian restaurants in the region. This one has been touted as one of the best! Liliana’s Colombian Restaurant & Bakery, Jacksonville, serves authentic Colombian dishes and, from the appetizer empanadas to the sweet treats of the bakery, the flavors are amazing. Other ethnic specialties, including Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, can be found throughout the county, as well.
The native North Carolina barbeque is a must during any visit.
Visit www.OnlyinOnslow.com
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People to See: Chefs Heading to World Food Championship
Seven notable chefs are headed to World Food Championships’ “Ultimate Food Fight” in Dallas, Texas
CAPITAL CITY/LAKE MURRAY COUNTRY—The World Food Championships (WFC) just completed the South Carolina Super Regional Qualifier and selected seven area chefs to make up the first-ever “Team Lake Murray Country,” a competitive culinary team that will represent the Palmetto State at the 9th Annual Ultimate Food Fight, scheduled for November 5-9, 2021, in Dallas, Texas. This is the first time a team from Lake Murray Country has ever been selected. The qualifier was integrated into the Taste of Lake Murray, a food event that benefits the Lake Murray July 4th Fireworks Show. In addition to impressing WFC representatives, 15 chefs from the region were tasked with producing their best samples for almost 600 guests, all of whom got to vote on their favorite dishes of the night to create Team Lake Murray Country through a “people’s choice” process.
The seven chefs to go head-tohead against the world’s best for a chance at WFC’s $350,000 prize purse are: Kevin Schwab of Bistro on the Boulevard, New American cuisine by way of Texas and the Southeast in a relaxed, casual ambiance with fine-dining service and quality ingredients, nightly specials and an award-winning wine list. Irmo. Henry Griffin of Griffin Chophouse, a classic steakhouse, burger and barbecue joint with a butcher shop, The Royal Butcher, next door, Lexington. Arif Rizvi of RF’s Corner Grill, a “modern classic” with touches of Eastern influence and favorites like Duck Fat Fries, tacos and more, Lexington. Brandon Velie of Juniper, locally sourced, in-season Southern ingredients, national reviews in a hidden-gem location. Ridge Spring. John Worthington of Figaro the Dining Room, fine dining with an eclectic Southern twist in a historic bank building; the vault is the wine cellar, Newberry.
Jon Cooper of Alodia’s Cucina Italiana, authentic home-style Italian restaurant using generations-old family recipes. Lexington. Eric Crissey of Columbo’s Restaurant, at the Doubletree by Hilton, American contemporary and fusion cuisine that belies its chain-hotel location, Columbia. More than 450 teams from 40 states and 10 countries are expected to participate in this year’s tournament, which will feature 10 categories of food and be filmed for a special TV show.
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Go, Do, See: Big Kahuna Wing Festival
This year, the 8th annual Big Kahuna Wing Festival celebrates the creation of the “Buffalo Wing”, which has become a national food icon. Invented in 1964 at the world famous Anchor Bar by Teresa Bellisimo, the popularity of the chicken wing has made it America’s #1 appetizer. Last year alone over 20 billion wings were consumed by Americans, 1.25 billion on Super Bowl weekend alone.
One of Knoxville’s most anticipated food events, the Big Kahuna Wing Festival, is back and has been named a Super Regional Qualifier for the world’s largest Food Sport event, World Food Championships (WFC).
Through this regional gateway program, the event will qualify five local Knoxville cooks to compete at WFC’s 9th Annual Main Event, November 5-7, in Dallas, Texas, where more than $300,000 in prize money is up for grabs.
“The Big Kahuna Festival is personally one of my favorite events to attend annually, and we’re happy to be able to welcome them back as a regional qualifier for cooks and chefs who want to compete on a global stage,” said Mike McCloud, WFC President and CEO. “These strategic qualifiers not only highlight the great local cuisine from America’s diverse regions, but they end up giving passionate cooks a chance at WFC to develop life-long friends who share the same passion and purpose of food through competition.”
The Sept. 5th Big Kahuna Wing Festival is expected to fill Downtown Knoxville with its flavorful and alluring aroma of hot wings on the barbie. The festival will feature over 15,000 pounds of wings to be enjoyed by attendees and then ranked by WFC’s E.A.T.™ certified judges.
Any E.A.T.™ certified foodie who is interested in putting his or her taste buds to the tests and judging some of the best wings in the South can apply here. If you’re not E.A.T.™ certified yet, simply take WFC’s online certification course at www.wfcfoodjudge.com to become eligible.
The WFC 2021 qualifying event –– which will be held at the World’s Fair Park Performance Lawn located between the Sunsphere and 11th Street –– is currently accepting cooking team applications here. Participating teams will be whipping up their best wing recipes for a chance to take home the event’s $10,000 prize purse and “Tennessee’s Best Wings-2021” bragging rights.
Tickets are available at https://www.bkwfestival.com/ ticket-info/. Advance Tickets are $20 and will be available from August 5th through September 4th. Tickets will be $30 at the gate. Children under 8 are free.
Includes admission along with 10 complimentary wings.
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When most people hear the names Hatfield and McCoy, what comes to mind first are those two quarreling families from Kentucky and West Virginia several generations back. But what folks don’t know about this famous feud is the lesser-known saga between a branch of the family tree that fought most about who was better in certain aspects of entertainment and ended up with their own dinner show in the Great Smoky Mountains – the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! Here’s how it all happened for those of you that didn’t realize the “other” history of the Hatfields and McCoys! A decade ago, way back in 2011, Pa Hatfield decided it was time for a fresh start somewhere new – but most importantly, somewhere far away from those crazy neighbors, the McCoy family. So he packed up all his belongings and convinced his three pretty daughters to move to the Great Smoky Mountains to seek fame and fortune with their talents for clogging and music.
They say smart minds think alike, so that same spring, Ma McCoy had the same idea – although it may have just been a country-minded coincidence instead of actual smarts! She told the rest of the McCoys that her three boys and their musical talents on the banjo, fiddle, bass and who knows what else had outgrown their current situation and they were starting over somewhere their entertainment talents would be really appreciated. So Ma loaded up the truck and headed to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to make a fresh start. She figured since that’s where Dolly’s Dollywood was, it had to be the best option for her family’s many talents! The new start in the Smokies was going just fine for the Hatfields and McCoys until the Mayor Timothy P. O’Reilly figured out who these two infamous families were, and he likes nothing better than to
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Dolly’s Dinner Theatresstir things up, especially when feudin’ neighbors are concerned! He got the new sheriff, Duley Neal, involved, too, and the shenanigans commenced with competitions between these two clans of folks including clogging (the Hatfields have an edge here) and playing a variety of instruments (the McCoys’ talent here is top-notch). The two families ended up realizing that together, their talents are enough to fill up a show – what with the Hatfield girls’ dancing up a storm, especially paired up with those McCoy brothers, the splash they make at the Swimming Hole with their fancy dives, diving dogs, duets between Pa Hatfield and Ma McCoy, side-splitting comedy capers, and playing tricks on that new Sheriff. So in April 2011, they made it official and opened up a show in Pigeon Forge and then told anyone who would listen – or that they could drag in – that they should buy to ticket. To really make it worthwhile, they looked into their grandma’s old recipe book and told folks if they’d come see the show, they’d get served up a mountain feast before the show started. Did we mention it’s all you can eat? They did that so you are so full that you won’t be able to get up and leave your table and have to stay for the show! These two mountain clans plan on continuing their feudin’ and fun and mix together their country cookin’, cloggin’ and crazy capers all together for years to come. They even do a merrier version during the holidays with the Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster! So if you think your family acts a little bit crazier than other folks, just come check out the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud on your next For more on Tennessee trip to the Smok- >CLICK HERE ies.
Places to Go: Tasty Abington
ABINGDON –Dining here offers an experience unmatched by most destinations. Set in the beauty of Southwest Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon is known for its outdoor recreation and diverse arts community. It’s the more than 30 independently owned local restaurants that have put this destination on the map for gourmets, as well. It’s been recognized as the number one “Best Small Town Food Scene” two years in a row. An easy drive from the region’s metro areas, its amazing dining options, alone, make the trip a pleasure for the senses.
The historic downtown’s charm adds to any visit. After a ride along the world-class Virginia Creeper Trail or before a performance at the legendary Barter Theatre, start with a casual outdoor option. Another choice is an elegant, white tablecloth dining room and setting filled with history and legend. While new places in town are drawing attention, the old favorites are always popular. An evening at The Tavern is a tradition for many. Located in Abingdon’s oldest building, built in 1779, the atmosphere both inside and the courtyard, are unique. The diverse menu, extensive beer and wine list and full bar offer something for everyone. Another local favorite, Rain is an eclectic spot with an extensive menu and artsy atmosphere. From soups, seafood and steaks to distinctive drinks and desserts, the menu is creative. Another one-of-a-kind spot is Bone Fire Smokehouse & Musictorium. It is popular for both outstanding food and amazing music. This smokehouse and restaurant, located in an old hardware store, serves succulent smoked meats and “Southern high country sides” and showcases original music from local and regional artists. Luke’s Café features fresh food in an art-and-music-inspired, casual setting. The menu is filled with salads, sandwiches and a full dinner menu, all with an artistic flair. The Girl & The Raven is a new addition to the local food scene. The café features dishes created from regionally sourced ingredients, paired with premium craft coffees roasted in small batches, using ethically sourced beans. At 128 Pecan (128 Pecan Street SE, Abingdon, Virginia 24210), they pride themselves on both taste and service. They serve unique twists on popular sandwiches, special dinner entrees and house-made desserts, all in a friendly, quirky atmosphere.There is so much to explore and enjoy in Abingdon and the culinary scene is a vital part of the experience.
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